‘If he struggles, mark this down’ – Urban Meyer gives bold statement on Arch Manning’s chances against Ohio State
There will be no time to ease into the season for the Ohio State Buckeyes, as they’ll open with a major challenge against the Texas Longhorns in Week 1. On August 30, the Buckeyes will host Arch Manning and the Longhorns in a season opener that doubles as a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl, […]
There will be no time to ease into the season for the Ohio State Buckeyes, as they’ll open with a major challenge against the Texas Longhorns in Week 1.
On August 30, the Buckeyes will host Arch Manning and the Longhorns in a season opener that doubles as a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl, which Ohio State won 28–14.
While some things remain the same for both teams, much has changed. The Buckeyes return what might be the two best players in college football — wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs — a duo that will help define their season.
Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is picking the Buckeyes to beat Texas
“They have Jeremiah Smith, the best player in college football, and I don’t think it’s really that close,” Meyer said recently on The Triple Option. “You can roll up on him, you can double him, and you can slow him down — but you can’t stop him. And they have other weapons. They’ve recruited so well at the skill positions.”
Ohio State will surround Smith with Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss at wide receiver, and transfer tight end Max Klare is expected to make a big impact as well. Texas certainly has the talent to match up, led by a Manning at quarterback.
Urban Meyer acknowledged the challenge Arch Manning faces in his first start:
“A player with that name, that background, and the expectations put on him — he’s going to have to play great,” Meyer said. “And he’s picking a tough team to try and play great against, in a tough environment.
“If he struggles — mark this down — there’s going to be a lot of pressure on that player. Unfair pressure. Because he is a hell of a player. Is he going to win the Heisman? I mean those are big, big questions being asked.”
After backing up Quinn Ewers for two seasons, it’s finally Manning’s turn in Austin. But Ohio State’s top priority will be to make life as difficult as possible for the Longhorns’ new starter — and ensure he isn’t the one who beats them.
